Product Description
Immerse yourself in rich colors and 1080p picture quality when you stare at the stunning 50-inch screen of the KDS-50A2020 rear projection high definition television. The Grand WEGA SXRD rear projection HDTV is equipped with the WEGA Engine system to minimize signal distortion. The latest generation of WEGA Engine is a fully digital signal-processing path, which includes video processing functions that are designed to improve overall picture quality. Fully connect with dual HDMI (1080p capability) and front component inputs (1080i). SXRD technology is the latest display technology to meet and exceed the demands of a high definition image at its full 1080-line resolution. The SXRD panels have a blistering 2.5ms response time (total rise and fall time). Designed for maximum versatility, the Grand WEGA XBR(R) line is equipped with a comprehensive range of input interfaces. Add your PC and SRS TruSurround XT audio enhancement technology and turn watching television to an experience. 2.5ms Display Response Time Vertical & Horizontal Center ATSC & NTSC hybrid with Clear QAM (8 VSB) Tuner WEGA Engine System CineMotion Reverse 3 - 2 Pulldown Technology SRS TruSurround XT Audio Effect Dolby Digital Regulation and Standard Compliance Dimensions - Width 46.5 x Height 33.13 x Depth 17.63 inches (1180mm x 839mm x 447mm) Weight - 75 pounds (34kg)
Customer Reviews:
A Thing of Beauty.......2007-12-26
A few years ago, I was telling everybody I knew that DVR would change your life! Now, I'm singing the same tune for HDTV. And specifically, the Sony rear projection LCOS technology! Sometimes, I just sit and stare at Planet Earth for hours. The picture is freakin' unbelieveable The set-up was easy as can be if you start off with the Cnet recommended settings (see previous reviewer's tip) and then adjust to your liking from there. And if you have a great room with a wide viewing area, this is the only way to go. The picture quality is the same no matter where you sit in coorelation with the screen. Also, I was really concerned about purchasing such a high dollar, fragile product via the internet, but I had no issues with the quality of the service, from both the vendor and the shipping company. I have had this TV since mid-Sep. and I have NO complaints.
Sony 50 inch SXRD KDS 50A2020.......2007-10-10
Delivery was within 7 days and there was no problem with set-up. The instruction manual is fairly straight forward; however, I recommend going on-line to download a copy prior to delivery. This allows sufficient time to familiarize yourself with the setup. Also recommend getting an after market set-up DVD to fine tune the advance settings on the television. The initial set-up will be fine for most people. Great color and an easy set to operate.
Nothing quite like it........2007-09-11
This is one of the finest products I have ever owned. If you want to get into high definition, this is the best combination of quality and price that I have seen and I have looked at many. It is easy and intutive to set up. I did it myself just following the simple directions included.
The picture is amazing with Dish's Voom Networks. We also invested in a Toshiba HD-DVD player although the pictures from our regular DVD player are almost as good, the HD-DVDs knock one's socks off.
I know I will spend $ someday to replace the projecting bulb, but if they last 3-5 years as promised, I can replace several and still be $ ahead. The only small problem I see is a very rare green tone on some tan shades. It is hardly noticable and not a problem for me. I am quite perfectionistic also.
Best bang for your buck. Period........2007-08-31
When you go to the movies, is the picture up on the screen really that sharp? Not really; you are seeing an image that started out the size of a 35mm frame of film enlarged many times. However, if you sit far enough back, the screen looks great. That why I bought a rear projection TV. Using projection technology, it gives a very film-like picture, at least from DVD material or better. And while there has been some criticism of the primary color reproduction on this set, what is far more important is the excellent black level reproduction. If you go Plasma or LCD (or even DLP), you will not get the black levels of this set. That will make those "more accurate" colors look washed out.
It is tempting to get the largest screen that you can. The KDS A2020 series comes in three sizes (50" 55" and 60"), but remember the movie screen? The farther back you sit, the better these televisions look. I sit about nine feet away from my 50" set. I know that is more than the "official" recommendation, but it looks great.
Finally, the price on these sets is low because this is basically last year's technology. The new 3000 series will have a few new features, most notably HDMI 1.3a. This will permit twice as much digital information to get to your television, a higher bit rate of color, all kinds of things that sound great. However, there is very little (I think maybe the Playstation 3) which has 1.3a. At least for now, HDMI 1.3a will not change the picture that you see. If you can compare these sets in the store, you will see no difference in the picture between this set and the 3000 series version.
Yes, I know, in the future everyone will have Blu-Ray, higher bit rates of color and all of the new lossless high definition sound. Every station will be high definition. Trying to future-proof equipment for products which do no yet exist is chasing the dragon. And think of what you will need to take advantage of all of this new stuff - a new receiver/amp to process the signals, and new DVD player, Blu-Ray or HD DVD, etc. Suddenly the extra $500 for the 3000 series starts to add up to much more. And, without any source material to look at today, you may find out that it doesn't make all that much difference to you when all of this stuff does come out. And by then, there may even be a new connection standard. (Remember DVI?)
I say don't play the upgrade game. (Although this set WILL work fine with a Blu-Ray player if you are ready to make that leap of faith) Get a great TV at a bargain price now.
And about calibration - it was a bit tricky with this set. There are a lot of options, and the picture looks terrible right out of the box. You might want to try some of the settings suggested by others here to start, but a calibration disc will help. And guess what? You probably already have one if you have any THX disc (Star Wars, Indiana Jones...) The color adjustments do require a color filter, but you can get a lot out of the brightness and contrast adjustments. With the brightness and contrast set properly, it will be easier to adjust the color to your taste.
Meets all expectations.......2007-08-27
I did a lot of research before buying. I almost bought the 50A2000 model but was worried about the infamous "green blob" problems. I saw no reports of the problem with the A2020 model so I decided to go for it.
DVDs and Blu-Ray movies look great. Even analog SD cable broadcasts look pretty good. Out of the box, the picture settings were way too high. I turned down the brightness, contrast and color quite a bit and am very pleased with the picture now. The set can produce a very bright image if needed. No green-blob issues seen so far.
A flat-panel LCD would be nice, but for a 50" screen they're way more expensive than the SXRD. I considered plasma but I live at high altitude in Colorado and have heard reports of problems with plasma in this environment. I choose SXRD over other rear-projection sets because the color wheel used in other TVs reportedly gives some people headaches. Also, I've bought lots of other Sony gear in the past and have never been disappointed.
The build quality, remote control, etc are all good. I'm sure this TV will keep me happy for the next 5 years or so until whatever new technology comes along by then.
Product Description
Sony Grand WEGA 50" Widescreen HDTV - This 50" widescreen TV offers you the latest in HDTV technology - support for 1080p with a native 1920x1080 resolution. Sony achieves this with 3 separate SXRD panels that have a blistering response time of only 2.5ms! More than fast enough for even the most demanding images. These features and much more go into a television that provides an amazing entertainment experience. Supports 1080p natively with a resolution of 1920x1080 NTSC/ATSC hybrid with Clear QAM (8 VSB) Video Ports - 2 HDMI Inputs (rear - 1 w/ audio), 3 Component Inputs (1 front), 1 S-Video Input (rear), 3 Composite Inputs (1 front), & 1 PC Video Input (rear) Audio Ports - 1 Digital Optical Out (rear), 5 Analog Audio Inputs (1 front), 1 Audio Out (rear - variable/fixed), & 1 PC Audio Input (rear) Advanced Iris - A special Sony feature that helps to improve brightness and contrast CineMotion Reverse 3 - 2 Pulldown Technology Picture and Picture Color Temperature 3D Digital Comb Filter Game Mode Noise Reduction Picture Modes - Vivid, Standard, Custom Wide Modes - Wide Zoom, Normal, Full, & Zoom Dolby Digital Support MTS Stereo Decoder SRS TruSurround XT Audio Effect A/V Synch Auto Channel Programming Programmable Timer Sleep Timer - 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, Off (2 Event) Picture Freeze Unit Dimensions - approx. 46.5 (w) x 33 (h) x 17.60 (d) Unit Weight - approx. 75 lbs.
Customer Reviews:
10 months and TV is dead........2007-11-13
How to start...
This review would have been 5 stars until just 10 months into its life the damn TV stopped working. It seemed to happen overnight. I was watching TV fine one night and the next day I went to turn the TV on and I crapped my pants. The fan came on and the green power LED lit up just like normal, but the screen never came on. Instead the fan shut off and the green LED turned to red and started blinking.
The only positive thing I can say is Sony support was very helpful. Not a long wait on the telephone and the person I spoke with seemed sympathetic. She referred me to an official Sony repair store and I have an appointment to get it fixed.
Luckily the TV broke before the 1 year parts/labor warranty ended. I expected better quality from Sony...something that would not break down in 10 months. Hopefully Sony will extend the warranty since they had to fix it. I will keep my fingers crossed though.
Sony rocks!.......2007-10-08
I just bought this TV from a local Fry's store after reading most of the reviews here on Amazon :) I must say I agree with all the reviewers who gave this TV a 5! It truly rocks. Nothing beats the Sony picture quality, and this TV is a bargain at the sub-$1400 price on sale/clearance. I hooked up an HDMI cable to my Comcast cable box (used a DVI-HDMI adapter), and also connected the optical to my Sony 5.1 home theatre.. that's all I need. Watched the Matrix Reloaded and Miami Vice yesterday, and WOW!! Go for this model, and being a techie myself, I know the the SXRD technology is more reliable than conventional projection TVs.
It's been a year, and I'm still ecstatic!.......2007-09-30
I got this TV a year ago, and I'm still loving it. Blu-ray and HD channels look incredible, and I haven't had any problems with it over the past year.
I mostly watch SDTV (digital cable), and I personally still find the picture on the tv to be pretty impressive, especially when I go over to a friends house and see how blocky SDTV looks on their HDs.
I also do a LOT of gaming, and I've never had any problems with the TV. The number of inputs is perfect for my system setup (PS3, PS2, Wii), and I just can't get over how amazing these games look. Also, I appreciate the minor details like being able to label the different inputs.
I only have a couple of minor gripes. The no Picture-in-picture is a minor con. Also, I recently discovered that the optical digital audio out only works for "digital channels," whatever that means. Basically it never worked for me. I hooked up the analog audio out to my 5.1 surround system, and the sound is pretty decent.
If you're looking for a top of the line HDTV for a decent price, this is the one to by. I've never been so happy with a purchase before.
Sony KDS-50A2000.......2007-06-03
In one word, wow!
This is my first big screen and I am extremely happy with this TV. My last TV was a 32" Sony CRT so this is definitely a substantial upgrade. I absolutely love this TV but I just wish I could use it to get 1080p out of my Xbox 360. Unfortunately this TV only accepts 1080p through the HDMI connections. This makes sense but my Xbox 360 only outputs 1080p through the VGA connection. The new Xbox 360 elite has an HDMI connection but obviously I don't have that. Not sure what I'm going to do about that yet.
Both my wife and I were against rear projection TV's and never liked the picture quality they had. This completely changed once we saw the Sony SXRD's. This is a beautiful TV for the price. It is packed with features and a great value. If I were to buy an equal in an LCD flat panel or Plasma I would be paying close to twice the price. Since I wasn't going to mount my TV on the wall having a flat panel didn't make a difference for me. Before I found this TV I was going to buy a 37" or 40" TV. I look at these now and realize I wouldn't be happy with that size. Actually, if I had my way I would have bought the 60" version but really this TV is more than big enough.
I sit about 9 feet away from this TV and I think this is the perfect viewing distance for this TV. Video games on my Xbox 360 and Wii (both through component) are awesome. I only have a progressive scan (480p) DVD player and most movies look great. I say most because you can tell movies that are low budget. Poor video quality is definitely more noticeable on a big TV like this. I have standard analog cable right now and it is as bad as my Sony CRT. I say as bad because analg cable sucks no matter what TV you watch it on but on a bigger TV it is more noticeable again. I'm going to wait to buy HD cable or satellite until there are more HD programs and channels. I really didn't buy this TV for watching cable anyways since most TV programs suck nowadays. The thing I will miss is sports in HD but again I can wait for that.
If you're looking for a big screen HDTV then this may be a good choice for you especially considering the price compared to others.
GREAT TELEVISOIN.......2007-05-23
Everything we expected and more. We love the picture especially the nature shows.the underwater colors are unbelievable.
I watch only HD chanels now.
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